10 Shows & Movies Like Finding Escobar’s Millions

Description: A gritty police thriller that follows the pursuit of a heroin smuggling ring, showcasing the relentless and often dangerous work of law enforcement. Its raw and unfiltered style sets a benchmark for crime dramas.

Fact: The famous car chase scene was filmed without permits, using real New York City streets. The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: A masterful exploration of organized crime, family loyalty, and power dynamics. While not focused on drug cartels, its themes of criminal empires and moral ambiguity provide a broader context for understanding such narratives.

Fact: Marlon Brando stuffed his cheeks with cotton wool to achieve Don Vito Corleone's distinctive look. The film was initially criticized for its violence but is now regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made.

Description: A brutal and unflinching portrayal of a drug lord's rise to power and eventual downfall, emphasizing the excesses and violence of the criminal underworld. Its iconic status and themes of ambition and corruption make it a quintessential reference.

Fact: Al Pacino's performance as Tony Montana is considered one of the most iconic in film history. The movie's famous line, 'Say hello to my little friend,' was improvised by Pacino.

Description: A multi-layered drama that examines the drug trade from various perspectives, including law enforcement, politicians, and traffickers. Its realistic and gritty approach to the subject matter offers a comprehensive view of the complexities involved.

Fact: The film uses different color tones to distinguish between its various storylines. Steven Soderbergh won the Academy Award for Best Director for his work on this movie.

Description: A biographical crime drama that explores the rise and fall of a drug trafficker, capturing the allure and consequences of the narcotics trade. The film's focus on the personal cost of criminal ambition aligns closely with the themes of wealth and downfall.

Fact: Johnny Depp trained with the real George Jung to accurately portray his mannerisms. The film's soundtrack features period-accurate music to enhance its 1970s and 1980s setting.

Description: A documentary series that investigates the kidnapping and murder of a DEA agent, uncovering shocking truths about corruption and cartel operations. Its investigative approach and real-life stakes provide a harrowing look at the drug war.

Fact: The series features interviews with former cartel members and law enforcement officials. It sheds light on one of the most infamous cases in DEA history.

Description: This film delves into the dangerous world of drug cartels, focusing on undercover operations and the high-stakes game of deception. Its gritty realism and tension-filled narrative mirror the perilous journey of infiltrating criminal organizations.

Fact: The movie is based on the true story of federal agent Robert Mazur, who went undercover to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's money-laundering organization. Much of the film was shot in real locations connected to the actual events.

Description: A tense and visually striking film that delves into the moral ambiguities of the war on drugs, focusing on covert operations and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. Its atmospheric tension and brutal realism are hallmarks of the genre.

Fact: Director Denis Villeneuve used minimal CGI to create the film's realistic action sequences. The movie's title, 'Sicario,' means 'hitman' in Spanish.

Description: This action-packed film follows a pilot who becomes entangled in drug smuggling and covert operations, blending dark humor with high-stakes drama. Its depiction of the chaotic and often absurd world of drug trafficking resonates with similar narratives.

Fact: Tom Cruise performed many of his own flying stunts in the movie. The story is loosely based on the life of Barry Seal, a real-life pilot who worked for the CIA and drug cartels.

Description: A gripping series that traces the global journey of a cocaine shipment, revealing the interconnectedness of crime, business, and violence. Its expansive scope and intense storytelling highlight the far-reaching impact of the drug trade.

Fact: The series is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who also wrote 'Gomorrah.' It was filmed in multiple countries, including Italy, Mexico, and Senegal.